New Sphinx Gallery
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Penn Museum

4.6
·3k reviews·Philadelphia, United States

Explore millennia of human history with vast collections of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Serene and immersive experience

CrowdLow
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New Sphinx Gallery

Penn Museum

Best Time

Winter mornings

Serene and immersive experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore millennia of human history with vast collections of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A gem of a museum, not overrun by the masses, offering a serene and enlightening glimpse into history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ EBT Card Discount

If you have an EBT card, enjoy $2 admission and bring up to 3 guests for the same price!

🚶‍♀️ Join a Guided Tour

Experts offer insightful tours, making exhibits come alive with history lessons.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,722 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Egyptian Collection

Egyptian Collection

Egypt Galleries

Marvel at sarcophagi, mummies, and ancient artifacts, including a small sphinx. A must-see for history buffs!

Roman and Etruscan Worlds

Roman and Etruscan Worlds

Rome Gallery, Etruscan Gallery

Explore stunning mosaics, pottery, and sculptures that bring ancient Roman and Etruscan life to vivid display.

Sumerian Life

Sumerian Life

Mesopotamia Gallery

Discover artifacts from ancient Sumer, offering a glimpse into one of the world's earliest civilizations.

Mummy Portraits

Mummy Portraits

Egypt Galleries

See remarkably preserved mummy portraits from Roman Egypt, offering intimate glimpses of individuals from the past.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Special Events

While general admission is often available, popular tours or special exhibitions at the Penn Museum can sell out. Check their website for event schedules and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if visiting on a weekend or during peak season. Reddit

Allocate Ample Time

With extensive collections spanning ancient civilizations, the Penn Museum is vast. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore key exhibits like Egypt and Rome. Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the artifacts. Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Serene and immersive experience
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons (summer)
Why
Can be busy, but still manageable
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

our variation of being Disney adults... @The Franklin Institute is a classic #teachers #museum #philly #girlhood #thefranklininstitute @Paigesbeyondpages
@mariamadelinee
108.8K likes • 615.7K views

🎟️ EBT Card Discount

If you have an EBT card, enjoy $2 admission and bring up to 3 guests for the same price! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Join a Guided Tour

Experts offer insightful tours, making exhibits come alive with history lessons. Reddit

Step into another world at @Otherworld Philly👽🌸 Who’s going?? #pennsylvania #pennsylvaniacheck #philly #philadelphia #otherworld #otherworldphilly #museum #artexhibit #travel #visitpa #visitphilly #pabucketlist
@billyexplorespa
104.3K likes • 1.7M views
🔷شگفتانه ای از سومریان(بزی است که روی دو پا ایستاده و دستانش را روی درختی نهاده است. بز نیز در میان سومریان حیوانی مقدس تلقی می‌شده است، با توجه به قطعه چوبی روکش طلایی پشت بز احتمالا دارد این مجسمه پایه های یک میز بوده باشد) 🔹هنر زیبای سومری 🔹 جنس:چوب،سنگ لاجورد،ورقه طلا، الکتروم 🔹ابعاد: ارتفاع:27:cm/طول:cm:10 🔹محل کشف:شهر باستانی اور(بین النهرین) 🔹محل نگهداری: موزه«پِن»فیلادلفیا 🔹قدمت: 3100 ت...
dr_emamiiiiii
7.7K likes • 260.1K views

🎨 Sketching Allowed

Bring paper and pencils to sketch artifacts; the museum provides these materials. Reddit

🅿️ Convenient Parking

A parking garage is conveniently located next to the museum. Reddit

Re-sharing this from last year today. Empire has always attacked its people. I also did a video in the past about how Penn museum still has the remains of one of the children that it used for “research.” MOVE still exists at onamove.com The US Empire’s campaign to stop the existence and liberation of Black people has never ceased. [video description] me in a splotchy grey hoodie over my he...
ykreborn
33K likes • 424K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ EBT Card Discount

If you have an EBT card, enjoy $2 admission and bring up to 3 guests for the same price! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Join a Guided Tour

Experts offer insightful tours, making exhibits come alive with history lessons. Reddit

🎨 Sketching Allowed

Bring paper and pencils to sketch artifacts; the museum provides these materials. Reddit

🅿️ Convenient Parking

A parking garage is conveniently located next to the museum. Reddit

📱 Check for Events

Special events or closures can happen; check the website to avoid surprises. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Penn Museum for its extensive and captivating collections, particularly the Egyptian and Roman exhibits. Many highlight the value of expert-led tours and the accessibility offered by discounts like the EBT card program. While some minor inconveniences like occasional event closures or staff confusion have been noted, the overall experience is described as enlightening and memorable, with minimal crowds contributing to a serene visit.

"This place was great. I been going to museums lately since I found out about the EBT card discount to where I can go to any museum participating in the program for $2 and bring up to 3 guests for the same price. This one has been my favorite so far and to be honest it'll be a hard one to beat. I didn't get a chance to check out the Egyptian part, although I did see some Egyptian things like a small sphinx, but outta everything there my absolute favorite exhibit was probably the Romans. Followed by the Etruscan one. I feel like they had the most beautiful history and the stuff was amazing. I definitely recommend this place and I had a great day going."

The Mighty Kennet

"We were originally scheduled to go to a different museum, but it ended up being closed. At the last minute we decided to pivot to Penn Museum… what an unexpected and delightful experience. We really enjoyed the exhibits, but there were also experts posted at different stations that provided a wealth of knowledge. I was told I could touch and pick up a darling little Egyptian lamp… and then the expert told me it was 2,000 years old… I promptly put the lamp back down. :) lol. The only disappointment was that we were originally told by staff that the museum closed at 4:30, but were told later it was closing at 2:30 due to an event. We weren’t able to see all the exhibits because of this. It appears there was just confusion among the staff of what was going on. Overall, I think this is a gem of a museum that isn’t overrun by the masses. Definitely worth checking out!"

J B

"Great museum and ancient exhibitions. We went on Saturday afternoon during summer an It was quite busy. Convenient parking garage next to it. Helpful front desk and fast ticketing. Free for high schoolers and triple AAA discount. $18 for adults and $19 for parking."

geisa arnold

What People Like

Fascinating ancient collections
Insightful expert tours
Accessible EBT discount

What People Dislike

Occasional event closures
Staff confusion on hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Penn Museum is located at 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. It's accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA buses and trolleys. Many visitors also find it convenient to drive, with a parking garage on-site. Reddit

Yes, there is a convenient parking garage located next to the museum. Be aware that parking fees apply. Reddit

SEPTA buses and trolleys serve the area around the Penn Museum. Check SEPTA's website for routes and schedules that best suit your starting point in Philadelphia. TikTok

The Penn Museum is part of the University of Pennsylvania campus and is relatively close to other Philadelphia attractions like the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, though they require separate travel. TikTok

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a popular and convenient way to reach the Penn Museum. Simply set the museum's address as your destination. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission prices can vary, but typically adults are around $18. High school students and AAA members may receive discounts. Check the official Penn Museum website for the most current pricing and any special offers. Reddit

Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the door. However, for special exhibitions or events, it's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance online to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, discounts are available for high school students and AAA members. Additionally, visitors with an EBT card can get $2 admission for themselves and up to three guests. Reddit

Penn Museum hours typically include Tuesdays through Sundays, with varying closing times. It's essential to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can change due to special events or holidays. Reddit

In the past, 2-for-1 ticket offers for the Penn Museum and the Mutter Museum have been available, often requiring in-person purchase at one of the museums. It's best to check current promotions on their respective websites. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the extensive Egyptian collection with mummies and sarcophagi, the captivating Roman and Etruscan galleries, and the ancient Sumerian artifacts. The mummy portraits are also a highlight. InstagramReddit

Generally, touching artifacts is not allowed to preserve them. However, some exhibits may have interactive elements or designated areas where touching is permitted, often with staff guidance. Reddit

Yes, the museum often offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff or professors, providing deeper insights into the collections. Arriving in time for a tour is highly recommended. Reddit

The Penn Museum offers fascinating exhibits that can engage children, especially those interested in history and ancient cultures. Interactive elements and engaging displays can make it a fun experience for families. TikTok

The museum typically offers restrooms, a gift shop, and sometimes a cafe or dining area. Check their website for specific amenities and accessibility information. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Penn Museum often has a cafe or dining area where visitors can purchase snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's advisable to check their website for current operating hours and menu options. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there might be designated areas for picnics or eating if you plan to bring your own refreshments. Reddit

Yes, the museum is located in a vibrant area of Philadelphia with numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. You can find options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale dining experiences nearby. TikTok

The museum cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee. It's a convenient option for a quick bite while visiting the museum. Reddit

Prices at museum cafes can be comparable to other casual dining spots. It's a convenient option, but exploring nearby restaurants might offer more variety or budget-friendly choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most galleries, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage in each exhibit area. Instagram

Yes, flash photography is typically not permitted. Also, some special exhibitions might have stricter photography rules. It's best to be mindful of signage and staff instructions. Instagram

The Egyptian galleries with their imposing sarcophagi, the Roman mosaics, and the striking Chinese Rotunda are popular for photography. The mummy portraits also make for compelling shots. Instagram

Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and to prevent accidental damage to exhibits. Instagram

The vibrant mummy portraits, the intricate details of Roman mosaics, and the grand architecture of the Chinese Rotunda are highly photogenic and popular on social media. TikTokInstagram

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